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Now that the title may have gotten the attention of a few curious people in addition to people who normally find their way to my blog... the arrow is from a vaguely remembered line from Kahlil Gibran.

Never had kids myself, but am an aunt.... my husband's sisters' kids. The quote refers to a parent being like an archer, if I remember correctly, but of course one of the greatest poets in modern history said it better. You can look him up...

But last night I had news that a former student from years ago is going for nidan. She sure has done this on her own with only occasional hints from me via the telephone. Haven't traveled in years but somehow hubby and I have got to see this. Her teachers are smart, they say a test is like an exhibition. Seems to me way back in the mists of time I used to tell my students to treat the kyu tests at our Y like little exhibitions to show what you know rather than being afraid of making mistakes.

As they say on Long Island, "Enjoy!" We certainly will. Congratulations on your perseverance and enjoyment of Aikido, Marianne...

She must have great teachers to have kept her training for over ten years there. Dojo is near her home, but she has had and still has a full time job, a husband and other family members to look after . Sure I provided an intro but she has trained at many dojos and seminars both before and while at her present dojo. It's my pleasure to follow her career if only by phone up to now. Thanks again for your kindness, Francis.

Hi Daian. It can be so validating to see someone from the past succeed, and to acknowledge that the mutual training back then culminated in triumph after many years. Congratulations to all! My take on examinations is that the teachers, more than the students themselves, are being correctly held to scrutiny. Hard to argue with Khalil Gibran's wisdom, so, take a "bow" anyway.